NASA/LaRC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for Modal Acoustic Evaluation (MAE) consultation services and MAE equipment and support services for the Space Shuttle, Orion, Ares, the International Space Station, and future programs. This procurement requires support from a contractor who has experience with micrometeoroid impact testing and pressure/stress failure testing on complex spacecraft type structures such as Space Shuttle structures (reinforced carbon carbon (RCC) and thermal tiles), Orion (thermal ablation systems and tiles), and International Space Station class of structures as well as experience with operating and repairing MAE equipment currently owned by NASA which was manufactured by Digital Wave Corporation. The following tasks are anticipated:
1. Assist in pre-test preparations.
a. Analysis of structural configuration to optimize sensor placement.
b. Installation of instrumentation to include installing sensors and routing cables.
c. Performing pretest calibrations of equipment and sensor installations.
d. Correcting or repairing any equipment or sensor deficiencies prior to testing.
e. Configuring instrumentation to include adjusting signal gains, filters, trigger threshold levels, etc.
2. Assist in data acquisition.
a. Recording instrumentation configuration details and other pertinent testing details.
b. Acquiring signal data from impact events on multiple specimen configurations.
c. Backing up data immediately after impact events to prevent any inadvertent data losses.
d. Modifying instrumentation configurations between impact events to optimize signal capture.
e. Recording test information in lab notebooks.
3. Assist with post test data analysis and reporting.
a. Analyzing waveforms to estimate location of impact events, magnitude of signals, and relative attenuation of wave propagation across structural configurations, etc.
b. Analyzing results to determine optimal placement of sensors and analysis methods for future testing and/or actual implementation of acoustic evaluation impact detection systems on spacecraft samples.
c. Generation of final reports and presentations.
4. Purchase, repair, and calibration of MAE equipment and expendable supplies as required.
a. WaveExplorer software and upgrades.
b. Fracture Wave Detection equipment.
c. Modal Analysis equipment.
d. Transducer, cables, line drivers, preamps, and misc. supplies.
e. Provide repair support for the MAE equipment.
f. Provide calibration and certification of the MAE equipment that is traceable to national standards.
No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offeror’s responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.
Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references. VERBAL INQUIRIES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE.
This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement.
The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto. All responses shall be submitted to Jason Lou no later than Friday, February 13, 2009. Please reference SS-MAESVC in any response. Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
